There was a rightness to having Eli by his side that Tom had no words for.
Isobel Starling
Detective Fox
Format:
Audiobook
Publisher’s Synopsis:
Every good Dick needs a sidekick….
Actor Tom Lewis’ world came crashing down when a honey trap and tabloid exposé outed him and put pay to his flourishing career. The housewives’ favorite was most well-known for his role as Detective Fox in the quaint British series, Malmesbury Murders. But after the media speculation about his sexuality, the show is in hiatus, and Tom hasn’t worked six months.
Now things are getting serious; money is running out, and Tom needs a job desperately. So when his agent offers him a seasonal acting job, he reluctantly agrees… and takes on the role of Santa for a top London department store. This decision changes Tom’s luck.
When Tom overhears two unidentified store workers discussing a job to get a little Christmas bonus, he realizes the job is of the illegal sort. Now, Tom could call the police, but then again, wouldn’t it be great for his flagging career if Detective Fox saved the day?
So Fox is on the case, and as every good Dick needs a sidekick, Tom decides a sexy young elf named Eli Mason will fit the role, in more ways than one.
Point of view:
3rd person. Alternating perspectives – mostly Tom & Eli, but there are a few from various secondary characters.
Rellim’s Thoughts:
I devoured all of Isobel Starling’s Shatterproof Bond audiobooks earlier this year. As I was searching for holiday-themed listens, I didn’t hesitate to queue this one up.
This stand alone was a fun mix of romance, slight mystery, and hijinks. I’m rather fond of age gap and at more than 20 years this fit the bill. (Tom is 45 & Eli is 24.). Tom is a successful TV actor who was outed by a hookup and is pushed into playing Santa in order to “clean up” his image. Eli is a theatre graduate hired as a “main elf” at a high end department store.
This is short at 4 hours – but I enjoyed what Starling did with the time she had and how all the pieces came together. Tom & Eli have instant attraction, share some hot & kinky sex, and uncover a shoplifting scheme.
It was a quick & enjoyable listen.
Narration:
Gary Furlong really brings Starling’s writing to life. He does an amazing job with accents, personalities, and pacing. He’s consistently a favorite narrator for me.
About the author:
Isobel loves writing M/M thrillers, mysteries, and historical books.
You can connect with Isobel Starling here:
About the narrator:
Throughout his life he has worn many a hat: He has worked as a teacher in Niigata, Japan; a puppeteer in Prague; an improv artist in Memphis, Tennessee, but made the leap to voiceover in 2015. Gary has narrated over 120 books spanning various genres.
You can connect with Gary Furlong here:
My Favorite Quotes
Eli decided there and then, that if he could find a way to make Tom Lewis smile, it would make his day. – Detective Fox by @isobel_starling #Audiobook narrated by @GaryFurlongVo #MM #Christmas #RomanticComedy #Actor #AgeGap
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Tom could see the headlines—Detective Fox saves Christmas. – Detective Fox by @isobel_starling #Audiobook narrated by @GaryFurlongVo #MM #Christmas #RomanticComedy #Actor #AgeGap
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There was a rightness to having Eli by his side that Tom had no words for. – Detective Fox by @isobel_starling #Audiobook narrated by @GaryFurlongVo #MM #Christmas #RomanticComedy #Actor #AgeGap
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Tom leaned in and whispered words into Eli’s ear that made him want to melt into a puddle at Tom’s feet. – Detective Fox by @isobel_starling #Audiobook narrated by @GaryFurlongVo #MM #Christmas #RomanticComedy #Actor #AgeGap
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Rellim Reads 